Nelson Mandela’s former bodyguard shares powerful leadership lessons in Exeter

Students at the University of Exeter will have the opportunity to hear a first-hand account of Nelson Mandela’s leadership this week when his former bodyguard, Chris Lubbe, visits campus. 

The talk is part of the Leading Edge speaker series and will take place at the Business School on Thursday, 16 October.

Chris, who served as Mandela’s bodyguard for nine years, will share his experiences growing up under Apartheid in South Africa and the lessons he learned from working alongside Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu during the country’s transition to democracy. 

Growing up in a shanty town in Durban, Chris faced challenges to both education and opportunities. He said: “There are probably millions and millions of people in my position whose dreams were short-circuited because of the colour of their skin.” 

Determined to succeed, he became a student activist, organising peaceful protests that were met with violence from the police and army, and experienced detention and imprisonment himself. 

READ NEXT: University of Exeter archaeologist uncovers ancient hunting traps high in Chile's Andes 

Chris later met Mandela following his release from prison, in what he describes as “a total chance meeting.” Mandela asked him, “What size shoes do you take?” and whether Chris would like to work as one of his bodyguards. “The rest, as they say, is history.” 

During his talk, Chris will emphasise Mandela’s ability to unite people across political and social divides. “Good leaders are able to work across divides and unite people regardless of political or philosophical differences,” he said. “During the transition to democracy, instead of getting rid of all the people that worked under the apartheid regime, he actually chose to work with them.”

Chris also highlighted Mandela’s skill as a listener and his belief in the African philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because of you, and you are because of me, and together we are.” He hopes his story will inspire students to appreciate the opportunities education provides. 

“Growing up in a shanty town with no libraries or books, I want students to understand how fortunate they are and how education can prepare you for the world that we’re living in, not just for a career,” he said.

The Leading Edge series brings inspirational speakers to the University of Exeter, offering students, apprentices, and business professionals insights into leadership, integrity, and innovation. Lubbe’s visit coincides with Black History Month, and he stressed the importance of understanding the contributions of historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Desmond Tutu. “When we look back, it’s not about bringing up the past to make people feel guilty, but about understanding how we can move forward together,” he said.

Tickets for the talk at the University of Exeter Business School on 16 October are available online through the Leading Edge series website.